New Wapiti Trail route at Heil Valley Ranch to open Tuesday, June 18, at sunrise. The new route was built to protect nesting eagles.

Boulder County, Colo. - A new route for the Wapiti trail at Heil Valley Ranch will open on Tuesday, June 18, at sunrise.

A section of the Wapiti Trail was closed to protect wildlife. Golden eagles built a nest in the area during the extended park closure due to the Cal-Wood fire.

Boulder County works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure protection of sensitive species. Staff follows federal guidance, such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and the reroute provides the buffer zone required between the nest site and areas of human activity. The USFWS approved the reroute and the permanent trail only uses a small portion of the access road.

Please note:

• All of Heil Valley Ranch is restricted to on-trail use only due to critical wildlife habitat and danger in the burn areas.
• The former Wapiti detour on the access road will remain open to pedestrians and equestrians only.
• The main trailhead has been named the Wapiti Trailhead to minimize confusion.